“ The Government is facing a new threat. It comes in the form of anonymous bloggers using fake names to attack senior Government leaders – including Prime Minister Tuilaepa – on Facebook and other social media sites. What do you think the Government should do? Would you support the Government regulating the use of social media sites – and to some extent blocking them altogether – like they do in China? Nefertiti Matatia asked the public in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

“The deadly bus crash at Puipa’a last Saturday, which claimed three lives instantly, has revived questions around the safety of wooden buses. Even the Chief Executive Officer of the Land Transport Authority, Leasi John Galuvao, has called for them to be phased out. What do you think? Should the Government phase out wooden buses? Nefertiti Matatia asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

The Minister of Finance defended the decision by the Government to invest in a $20m prison which will be built at Tanumalala. Our reporter, Nefertiti Matatia asked the public: What do you think about the Government’s decision on a $20m prison investment? This is what they said:

In a story published in the Weekend Observer titled “P.M wants fit Prison guards”, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has slammed the poor management of the Tafaigata Prison as one of the reasons prisoners keep escaping. Tuilaepa has come up with a couple of solutions to end the problem. “My advice to the Minister is to remove Correction Officers who are like sumo wrestlers because they are weak. “They should get dropped off at Apia at 7:00am and they should run all the way to Tafa’igata,” said Mr. Prime Minister. In today’s Street Talk, our reporter, Ulimasao Fata, asked people about their views on the matter. This is what they said:

According to the Lowy Institute, China has provided A$1.8 billion in aid and loans for the South Pacific nations between 2006 and 2016.The main recipients were Papua New Guinea, which received A$632 million, Fiji (A$360 million), Vanuatu (A$244 million) and Samoa (A$230 million). Last week, Ms. Fierravanti-Wells launched an unprovoked scathing attack on China’s aid to the Pacific countries – including Samoa. She accused the Chinese of building “roads to nowhere” and constructing “useless buildings” which will only leave Pacific countries with debts they cannot pay. What do you think of China’s aid to Samoa? We asked members of the public in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

It’s signed and sealed. Samoa’s Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker will take on Anthony Joshua in what will be the biggest fight of his life. The fight will take place in Cardiff Wales on 31 March 2018. Do you think Lupesoliai is ready for the fight? We asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Everyone talks about it. And many of them agree that the cost of living in Samoa is ridiculously expensive compared to what people earn. What do you think? Is the cost of living expensive?
How can we change things? Vatapuia Maiava asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

What is your view on the fight between Lupesoliai La’auli Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua? Who do you think will win the much anticipated battle? Nefertiti Matatia asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

If you were the Commissioner of Prisons, what would you do to keep the prisoners securely locked in and the public safe from these ongoing prison breakouts? Nefertiti Matatia, found a very angry and vengeful public when she asked this question.

Should we all be doing more to prevent outbreaks of Dengue Fever? Has the Ministry of Health been timely in their warnings that there have been multiple cases? With lives already lost, why is there not a more proactive prevention programme about this potentially fatal disease being carried out by the Health sector, particularly in schools? Ilia L. Likou asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

The announcement by the Ministry for Revenue of taxes on the incomes of the Head of State and church ministers, has generated much discussion. Particularly when church ministers found out that not only was the money given by the congregation on Sundays to be taxed but also envelopes given when they attend weddings, funerals and other functions. One aggrieved church minister then suggested that Cabinet Ministers should be similarly taxed when they receive money in envelopes when attending functions. What do you think? Neretiti Matatia asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Our reporter asked members of the public if they were aware of the Tui Samoa Cable which recently reached our shores. According to the Government of Samoa website, Samoa’s new Tui-Samoa Cable will span more than 1,470 km, connecting Samoa to Fiji with branching units to Wallis & Futuna and Vanua Levu, Fiji, enhancing fast, reliable and affordable internet services across the region. We also asked people why it is important and what it means to the people in Samoa.

Tensions are rising after an image emerged of the Samoan flag being burnt. What went through your mind when you saw it? Is it a crime or is it freedom of speech? What would be your reaction if you see this person? Nefetiti Matatia asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

The administration of sports in Samoa has come under the microscope once more. American-based Samoan Sprinter, Jeremy Dodson, has raised serious questions about the way sports are run. “From the three years I have represented Samoa, I have seen officials do nothing but get free trips, trips spent lounging in sponsored hotels while athletes eat processed food,” he said. “I have seen officials get elected not off merits, but friendships.

The difference between tipping and bribery has been spelt out by a Cabinet Minister who said public servants should not feel bad about accepting tips for doing their work. The Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tioniso Hunt, said it is only wrong when public servants accept bribes. What do you think? Should members of the public be encouraged to tip public servants, especially people like Customs officials? Ulimasao Fata asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has been reappointed to coach the Manu Samoa. He replaces Namulauulu Alama Ieremia who resigned last month after the team’s losing record in the past year. What do you think of the appointment? Do you think Fuimaono is the right man or has the Samoa Rugby Union got this wrong again? Ulimasao Fata asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

TV Bingo, or as some prefer to call it, Live Bingo, is coming soon to Samoa. The initiative has been designed to address the issue of domestic violence. How does it work? It will be like a normal Bingo game except people will ring a number when they think they have won. What do you think? Do you support it? Wouldn’t this encourage the mentality of gambling among members of the public? Reporters Aruna Lolani and Talimalie Uta asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The tussle between the Police and the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) over the enforcement of traffic infringements and the collection of fines is an interesting one.
Purely from an outside perspective, it appears to be a show of who has the biggest muscles and how far one can flex them.

I want to share a reflection on suicide by quoting from a speech I made in 2002 because it is relevant and topical. Rituals also express meaning, nuance and metaphor. During (former) Prime Minister’s Helen Clark’s wreathe presentation at Tamasese’s grave, 4 June 2002, Lufi Falefa and Salani could have chanted the funeral chants, the birth chants, the war chants, the victory chants.

P.M. on Church leaders
It seems Prime Minister Tuilaepa can’t leave members of clergy alone.
During a radio programme last week, he had plenty to say about Church Ministers. For instance, he reminded them that Church Ministers were only taught on spiritual matters, not on Economics.

The spears flew towards the youth on the hill, whistling as they cut through the air. Grinning, Queen Medb’s general drew his sword, eager to take back to his Queen the head of this warrior whom they called the Hound of Ulster. He had no doubt his spears would find their mark.